By Brenna O’Dea

CHRISTMAS IS SO CLOSE WE CAN ALMOST TASTE IT. Let’s be honest here, Christmas dinner can be delicious, but we all know what the true meaning of Christmas is…COOKIES. For Santa or for yourself, baking holiday treats can bring friends and family together from all rooms of the house and all corners of the world. One of our favorite flavors of the season…gingerbread. We love ginger, we LOVE bread, so to the inventor of ginger+bread…THANK YOU. Here are a few ideas that will definitely add a lil’ sweet ‘n spicy kick to your Christmas (or to any winter meal!)

Cookie

A tried & true classic, the gingerbread cookie will never go out of style. Whether you stick to a simple recipe, or maybe you opt for the vegan or gluten free variety, your taste buds will smile. The real fun here comes from creativity. If eating little gingerbread boys and girls isn’t your thing, try these shapes out for a new tradition. And don’t forget about the final glossy touch…the icing of course! Of course we approve of a little extra sugary sweetness at this time of year, but there are plenty of healthier versions out there. Whip up some of this beautiful buttercream or food coloring free icing for a sweet treat without those mystery ingredients. Even your smallest sous chefs can join in on the fun. They may make a mess, but the results will be DELICIOUS.

Cake

Fork first or face first, however you dive in, these gingerbread cake recipes are CRAZY good. For a classic, lighter loaf, bake this baby from Bon Appétit. Your holiday guests will swoon for this sweet treat. Looking for something a bit more intense to top off the night? Try this stout spiked specialty from Gramercy Tavern, courtesy of Smitten Kitchen. The real kicker in this recipe? The molasses. It turns this work of art into a true masterpiece. Combined with spices galore, this one will be a flavorful favorite. Invite the little ones into the kitchen to help sift together flour and spices, and then whisk it all together to create a beautiful batter. Who gets to lick the bowl??

Pancake

“Good morning world, what do you have in store for me today!?” Is what you’ll be shouting from the rooftops after DEVOURING these delights. As fluffy as your favorite pillow, as satisfying as an afternoon nap, these gingerbread pancakes, you heard me, PANCAKES, will brighten your morning on any gloomy winter day. All the spices under the sun…topped with ginger molasses maple syrup if you dare…these hotcakes are heavenly. A simple yet spectacular recipe, the whole family will have fun flipping these flapjacks on the griddle. If you’re feeling extra adventurous…toss some chocolate chips on top or crush up some candy canes for a festive touch…or our personal favorite…fresh fruit! There’s nothing sweeter. And finally, for a breakfast fit for Santa’s elves, slice up some strawberries and within minutes you’ll have yourself a reindeer pancake platter.

Porridge

Pancakes aren’t your thing, but you still crave the flavor of Christmas at the crack of dawn…this perfect porridge will warm your hands, hearts, and bellies with every bowlful. Classic oatmeal or quirky quinoa, however you take your morning medicine, it is sure to be delicious with a dose of gingerbread. A spoonful of sugar, you say, Ms. Poppins? Au contraire, we prefer healthy whole grains sweetened with grade A maple syrup. Top this early morning treat with some chopped nuts and dried fruit for a heartier helping, or a splash of your milk of choice to cool it down for the tiny tots at the table…we don’t want a Goldilocks situation on our hands.

Smoothie

I know, I know, I was suspicious too. These days it seems like we are turning everything imaginable into smoothies. Kale, cucumber, beets, bone broth…STOP WITH THE MADNESS. Just kidding, I do love the occasional green smoothie to kick start my day. This smoothie specialty however, packs a different health food punch. The anti-inflammatory benefits of ginger and the fabulous flavors of gingerbread all in one glass! This Christmas-y concoction is loaded with fiber-full chia seeds and spicy cinnamon to boost your metabolism…something we all could use after sneaking a few (handfuls) of cookies off Santa’s plate.

Bonus Breakfast…save this one for Christmas morning…MONKEY BREAD (gingerbread style)

There’s not much to say here, except I’LL TAKE SECONDS PLEASE. This truly tasty treat is not for the faint of heart (or palate). You’ve got to have a pretty strong sweet tooth to tolerate this one…but if you do…this monkey madness might make all your Christmas wishes come true…I mean ALL of them…for the rest of your life…Christmas will NEVER BE THE SAME. This recipe calls for butter, whole milk, more butter, brown sugar, and MORE BUTTER. I repeat, save this one for Christmas morning…and of course the-day-after-Christmas-morning (if there are any leftovers…doubtful). And the next morning, slurp down that smoothie, maybe even add a handful of kale…because THAT will cancel out ALL THE BUTTER. But hey, it’s Christmastime after all, and we all need a little naughty with our nice.

(Image by flickr member mojocoffee licensed under Creative Commons)

By Brenna O’Dea

Clean eats, you know we love ‘em. Something else we also love, clean cleaning! What exactly am I talking about, you ask? I’m talking soaps, scrubs, and sprays that are free of those un-mentionables and un-pronounceables. Triclosan, dioxane, benzalkonium chloride…my general rule of thumb…if you can’t say it, don’t spray it. Sounds cheesy, I know, but I have tried living by this rule and it really does work! Of course, this is easier said than done. It can be tricky to find products out there that don’t have ANY crazy sounding chemicals listed on the label, but we are here to make it just a bit easier for you and your family this holiday season. Because a healthy house is a happy house.

All purpose cleaner: equal parts water & white vinegar

As my ultimate idol and role model, Ina Garten AKA the Barefoot Contessa says, “how easy is THAT?” just shake up this simple mixture of harmless ingredients for a solution that you can spray on any surface in the house. Opt for the lighter distilled vinegar (5%) for a softer cleaner, or stronger vinegars for a more powerful polish. If you are using the former, you could even add a few spritzes to your homemade salad dressing and it would be perfectly safe! Of course, a wine vinegar would taste much better…but we love the idea of a cleaning product that is safe to eat! This is a huge improvement from many of the shelf regulars you see in the store…”keep out of reach of children,” “avoid contact with eyes,” “if swallowed call poison control immediately,” NO THANK YOU.

Stain remover: one part water, three parts baking soda

For a cleaner that is strong enough to solve all your stain dilemmas and disasters (last night was spaghetti night…we know how messy that can get with little ones at the table), try this two ingredient fix. Fresh and natural, you don’t have to worry about any of the scary stuff…bleach, butoxyethanol, say goodbye to the big bad B’s of cleaning. There is one B however, that is still up for debate.

Borax, or sodium borate, is simply a naturally occurring mineral. While it is not known to be as dangerous as man-made, chemically engineered friends, it is not our number one choice. It is certainly NOT safe to ingest, and can cause irritation to the skin or eyes upon contact, especially in young children. However, many homemade laundry detergent recipes call for the addition of Borax to enhance effectiveness, and we say, go for it. As long as you know every ingredient that you are using, and feel comfortable and confident using it in your household, then your loved ones are sure to be happy and healthy.

Toothpaste & Deodorant…give it a try!

Let me tell you, I have tried all the “natural” products out there. I have used a sugar scrub that was entirely edible and actually quite tasty. I have not loved every product I have tried, in fact, I have absolutely hated some. Sometimes you just need something a bit stronger than essential oil and elbow grease. I have found this to be true with two products in particular: toothpaste and deodorant. In these two cases, I just need some good old fashioned fragrance and fluoride. I justify my use of these commercial, not-super-safe products because I do my best to minimize my use of chemicals in every other area of my life. When it comes to shampoo, body wash, hand soap, dish soap, and most importantly…FOOD, I read labels like they are good books, and I try the “less is more” approach. The shorter the ingredients list, the better. But when it comes to deodorant and toothpaste, I have not found a natural alternative that does the trick for me. HOWEVER, there are many marvelous products out there, and recipes that you and the little ones can whip up in just minutes. Try this calcium boosted toothpaste recipe, and all natural deodorant made with one of my all time FAVORITE things in the ENTIRE world…coconut oil.

We believe that what you put on and around your body is just as important as what you put into your body…AKA healthy (and of course yummy) food! We focus on food education. We want to teach your children about where fruits and vegetables grow, how we combine certain flavors to create new ones, and much more. We hope to inspire them to taste new dishes and help you create these dishes right in your own kitchen. But after the cooking and EATING is done, we all know what comes next…the clean up. Make this time a bit more special and safe by making your own cleaning products and inviting the little ones to join in. This might even make them more willing to help out with those dishes knowing that they made the soap themselves! So rest easy tonight…your loved ones have full bellies, chemical free bodies, and soon enough, Santa will be on his way.

(Image by flickr member Lissi Howard licensed under Creative Commons)

By Brenna O’Dea

Thanksgiving may be over, but there is ALWAYS something to be thankful for. The perfect stack of fluffy pancakes on a Sunday morning, a few moments of serenity in front of the fireplace on a chilly winter night, whatever happiness means to you, be grateful for that. Say thank you, say I love you, or say nothing at all and just give someone a hug. Soon enough there will be snow on the ground and a lil’ more love in the air. Maybe that’s because we will all be on sugar highs from Christmas cookies, but maybe it’s also because we have access to food, education, and best of all, food education. We have an opportunity to learn about where our food comes from, and a responsibility to share this knowledge with the little ones we love. We can give thanks for this knowledge, and in case you are hungrier for more than just food for thought, here are some yummier things to be thankful for this year…

Leftovers

TRUTH BOMB. I hate Thanksgiving food. Okay, maybe hate is a bit strong, but besides the cranberry sauce, my mouth does not water at the sight of that freshly carved turkey or perfectly mashed potatoes. Gravy gives me the willies, stuffing, whatever that stuff is…mushy bread…soggy celery…no comment. But hey, let’s look on the bright side, there are few foods that taste BETTER the day after the main meal, and Thanksgiving dinner is one of them. Forget the cold pizza for breakfast, try tossing some turkey in your morning eggs, or spreading some cranberry sauce across your toast instead of your everyday jam. And of course, best of all…the one…the only…Thanksgiving leftover SANDWICH. Savor every flavor in every bite. Everything is better between two slices of fluffy bread, right?

I hate to say it…but…MASON JARS

It happened. I joined the mason jar revolution and there is no turning back. Now, I am not a fully committed member. I do not think that ALL FOOD tastes better when served in a cute little jar, but come on, many foods definitely do. Mason jars are handy and they add a bit of flare to whatever you do. Tired of Tupperware? Store your snacks and leftovers in a fun new way, and we bet they will stay fresh just a bit longer with that tightly sealed lid. Ditch the plain old drinking glass. Try sipping in style from that mason jar. Tap water just got more interesting. And what better gift to give or receive than a giant jar of your favorite holiday cookies? (Just try making them with a few healthier substitutions this year!)

Good wine…and cheap wine

Admit it, some of us (most of us) would be none the wiser if you poured us a glass of Barefoot brand wine and told us it was Chateau Margaux. Okay…maybe it’s just me…but whether you are a wine snob or a mere occasional consumer, if you can find a good glass for a lower price, you’ll probably drink it up. Of course there are times when we want to splurge for a sip from the gods. Other times, we just need a lil’ something to warm us up on a blustery December evening. Or maybe you just want to add a splash (or two) to your favorite pasta dish. Take it from a millennial on a budget, there is NO SHAME in buying cheap wine and LOVING it. Love is love is love is love and as long as you are surrounded by family, friends, and holiday cheer…wine is wine is wine is wine.

Cheese…or butter…or cheese AND butter

As I learned from one of my favorite food writers, you do not, I repeat, do NOT have to choose between these two dairy delights. Dairy lovers rejoice, recent studies are restoring our faith in humanity. Cheese, and not just any cheese, FULL FAT CHEESE, is making a quick comeback, and it’s bringing along butter for the ride (grass fed of course). 2016 may have been a tough year for some, or all of us. Luckily the end is near, and you can count on cheese (and butter) to make the journey a lot smoother and tastier. Butter and cheese bring smiles to foodies young and old, and as long as you enjoy these babies in moderation, you can bask in their glorious goodness and enjoy the benefits of all the calcium, protein, B vitamins, and Omega 3 fatty acids that you could ever ask Santa for.

All other wholesome food…and of course, food education!

Yesterday was a special day. No, not Black Friday, or Cyber Monday, and unfortunately it is not Christmas yet. I am talking about GIVING TUESDAY!! (Basically Christmas for nonprofit organizations). A day devoted to supporting whatever cause you believe in, and showing that support in whatever way you can. No matter how you showed your support and how much you were able to give, we want to say THANK YOU for all that YOU DO to make our mission a reality. We could not teach our lessons or change children’s lives without your help. That is the honest truth. And here’s another honest truth, I AM HUNGRY. Dinnertime has arrived and I am grateful for THAT. So think about what YOU are thankful for, and dish out a little more love this holiday season, (and maybe a little more cheese and butter too).

(Image by flickr member Funmi Williams licensed under Creative Commons)

By Brenna O’Dea

Warms my chilly hands

Fills my belly to the brim

A big bowl of oats

There it is. My first haiku poem since I learned about them back in elementary school. Not impressed? Eh, neither am I. But I am HUNGRY. And FREEZING. Winter is not coming…IT HAS ARRIVED. There is no snow on the ground quite yet, and the sun is still in the sky warming our cheeks, but the time has come where we all need a little extra warmth in our bellies on these chilly mornings. Oatmeal is the answer. A quick and easy crowd pleaser, mix in whatever toppings your taste buds call for. There will be something for EVERYONE in the family, no matter if you can case your own sausages or if you have yet to master to microwave meal. Oats are the perfect introduction to the kitchen for all foodies tall and small. Check out these colorful variations that will have you cravings oats morning, noon, and night.

Ravishing Red

Sweet and always satisfying, strawberries and oats were made for each other. But why stop there? Raspberries, cranberries, lingonberries and more, there are PLENTY of red berries just dying to take a dip in that big bowl of goodness. We know that fresh berries can be hard to come by this time of year, but frozen will do just fine. Dried or dehydrated is also a great way to go. Toss on some raisins, craisins, or goji berries for an extra bit of sweetness and antioxidant boost. On the juicier side of the spectrum, try fresh pomegranate seeds for a tart taste that will wake up your taste buds and get you moving on any morning.

Beautiful Blue

Feeling blue? These awesome additions may turn your tongue a different hue, but they will lift your spirits and bring a smile to your face (just watch out for those blue teeth)! Blueberries and blackberries will mix perfectly into your porridge and they pair beautifully with some of our other favorite flavors. Combine these sweet berries with some sour citrus to take your oats to the next level of deliciousness. Orange and lemon zest freshen up ANY dish. Add a dollop of honey, sprinkle of cinnamon, even toss on some walnuts, sliced banana, or poppy seeds for a warm bowl that taste like a fresh baked muffin without all that added sugar.

Glistening Green

You may have read about it before right here on our blog this summer…it’s called spirulina and it is one super duper superfood. All the protein without that yucky pasty texture from most protein powders. Sprinkle this right into your morning meal and watch it change colors before your eyes. For an even brighter green bowl, add a bit of matcha for some flavor MAGIC. There aren’t many foods out there with more antioxidants than this baby, and just a spoonful is all you need. For the fruity additions, green apples and pears add just a bit more sweetness to this unique dish.

Glorious Gold

Who says your oats have to be on the sweeter side? The turmeric trend is still on the rise, and we LOVE it. With powerful anti-inflammatory benefits and an earthy flavor unlike any other spice, turmeric can elevate any ol’ bowl o’ oats. Add some of your other favorite spices to pump up the flavor even more. Turmeric pairs perfectly with cinnamon, vanilla, even black pepper. A spoonful of honey and splash of the milk of your choice, and you will have yourself one beautiful breakfast chock FULL of health benefits. Grab a big spoon for yourself and a little one for your little one, and dive right in.

Start boiling the water and gathering your favorite ingredients, you are just minutes away from the perfect morning meal. Just make sure you serve up enough to feed the whole family, and remind them it’s hot! You won’t want to burn your tongue and miss out on the flavorful fun.

(Image by flickr member Brian Brown licensed under Creative Commons)

By Brenna O’Dea

Poppy or plain? Onion or sesame? Why must I choose just one?? Well my foodie friends, you will never have to make this impossible choice ever again. We have the solution to EVERY flavor dilemma you face…it’s called everything bagel spice and it is damn delicious.

But first, on a more serious, less salty note, last week the future of our nation, of our entire world, was changed forever. No matter who you support, your views, values, belief system, your age, race, sex, you will be impacted in some way at some point over the next four or eight years. This is a time full of emotion and potentially great confusion and stress. Oh the times they are a changin’ and we can either run and hide, or face them head on with open minds…open mouths. There is no better way to relax and take your mind off your troubles than by cooking and eating with the important people in YOUR life. We’ve got a few comforting recipes to help you unplug and unwind at this crazy time of year.

Bagel

Let’s go back to basics with, you guessed it, the bagel. You have probably heard of the everything bagel and if you have eaten one, or dozens, then you know that they bring a flavor explosion that no measly onion or sesame bagel could bring on its own. I’ll break it down for ya. Just five, count ‘em, FIVE ingredients: poppy seeds, sesame seeds, dried garlic, dried onion, and sea salt. Simple, salty, and oh so satisfying. Grab a dozen at your local bakery or better yet, make your own! Gather the family around the table for a day of baking and more importantly, EATING together.

Bread

Hungry for a whole loaf? This bagel-inspired bread will elevate your school lunch sandwich or make a delicious DUNK into your favorite winter soups and stews. Hearty and wholesome, it will hold up to topping and dipping galore. Pop it in the toaster and slather on some BUTTER and jam for a quick and filling breakfast delight, or whip up a batch of savory French toast to warm up on a chilly weekend morning. Call all the little ones into the kitchen to help knead the dough and sprinkle on the spices, and of course they will want to stick around for a taste.

Biscuit

Take a step beyond the bread with these FABULOUS fluffy biscuits. I’ll get right to the point…these bad boys are STUFFED with cream cheese. Yes, I said it. The flavor of the bagel and the cream cheese to match, with the buttery flaky magic of a fresh homemade biscuit. Not satisfied yet…well, we honestly can’t help you there, it does not get better than this. Just make sure to eat them while they’re HOT for the best possible bite. Ooey gooey on the inside and crispy crunchy on the outside, the texture alone make these biscuits winners, but the taste is what really helps them steal the show.

Hummus

Had enough carbs for a lifetime? Try this lighter spin on everything spice for a fun afternoon snack or evening appetizer. Carrots or cucumbers, peppers or pretzels, use your vehicle of choice to chow down on this delightful dip. Mix the spice right into your favorite store bought or better yet, HOMEMADE hummus and pass it around. The mildness of the chickpeas will cut the harshness of the garlic and onions, making this snack a great option for petite palates and timid tasters. Let your little ones mix the spice into this spread and choose their favorite veggie for dipping…we’ve got a pretty good feeling they will ask for seconds.

Nuts

Last stop on this everything spice excursion…some specially spiced nuts just in time for the holiday season! If the usual sweet n’ sugary spiced nuts don’t make your taste buds water, these surely will. Oniony garlicky GOODNESS make these babies pretty addicting. It might be tough to stop at just one handful, so we recommend making a big batch, saving some for yourself, and giving the rest away to loved ones for the holidays. Fill mason jars with these goodies and gift them to friends, family, colleagues…anyone you love who does NOT have a nut allergy. Don’t forget that part. After all, there is no better way to say I love you than with lots of food made with lots of LOVE.

We hope these scrumptious, savory recipes will bring you and your family full hearts and bellies this winter. Bake some bread and then break some bread with loved ones old and young. Everyone can find common ground around the table, and every once in a while we all need to remember what truly matters, friends, family, of course…food!

(Image by flickr member Bradley Hawks licensed under Creative Commons)

By Brenna O’Dea

Just about one month ago we gathered at the beautiful Morgan Manufacturing with our friends, families, chefs, and supporters for our annual Feed Your Mind Gala. After months of planning and prepping, hours and hours of hard work from our employees, volunteers, board of directors, chefs, donors, and every single person who supports our mission…the day finally arrived. We were all hungry for success and even HUNGRIER for the DELICIOUS food we would devour that evening. The doors were open, guests were arriving, and it was time to celebrate.

What exactly were we celebrating, you ask? We were celebrating the inspiring teachers who bring our mission and vision to life every time they teach our lessons in their classrooms. We were celebrating the energetic students who engage thoughtfully with each lesson we deliver and whom we love to watch grow and learn over the years. We were celebrating the dedicated chefs who work at all hours of the day and night to prepare one of the most important parts of everything we do…FOOD. We believe that a healthy and happy life begins on the plate and in the mind. When we make connections between what we are eating and how our brains and bodies function, we are better equipped to understand the world around us and learn and grow more and more each day. This is especially important at a young age.

Of course, learning about where your food comes from is fascinating and eye opening at any stage in life. No matter how old you are or where you live, we all deserve access to nutritious foods and knowledge about how that food ended up on our plates. The earlier this learning begins, the better, and the more integrative it is, the more powerful and lasting the impact.

Imagine you are just 8 years old, only a few weeks into fourth grade. You have just started at this new school and you still feel a bit nervous every time you raise your hand to speak in class. New faces all around you, different colored lockers, the swing-set flies a lot higher than the one at your old school and you have a slight fear of heights. On top of all that, your teacher has a new snack for you to try in class today. It is orange on the inside and brown on the outside. It is shaped sort of like a football and it feels pretty heavy when you pick it up. Actually, it also looks like something more familiar to you – a potato. You’ve eaten potatoes a hundred different ways – mashed, fried, baked, for breakfast, for dinner…but why is this one ORANGE?? Well little one, this is a sweet potato. You will learn all about where potatoes were first grown and all the different varieties that exist in our world. They come in many sizes and colors – even purple!! You hear stories about something that happened a long, long time ago called The Irish Potato Famine and you go home with plenty of new fun facts to tell your family. But best of all, today, you TASTED a sweet potato. At first you were skeptical, but after discovering that learning about new foods can actually be pretty fun, you were more open to trying new things, and you now have a new favorite root vegetable.

This is why we celebrate at The Gala each year. This is why we ask for your support and hard work throughout the year. We value your time and effort more than we can express in words…so we do our best to express it through food. Thanks to our wonderful host, James Beard Award winning chef, restaurateur, and host of the always entertaining, Top Chef, Tom Colicchio. Thanks to our many other incredible hosts and chefs, including Matthias Merges, Paul Kahan, Jason Hammel, Justin Large, Ryan Poli, Mark Bazer, Ji Suk Yi, Billy Harris, and oh so MANY MORE…we all shared a beautiful night in support of two of our favorite things: food and education. By the end of it all, we raised an amazing…drum roll please…$220,000. These funds will make it possible for so many more children to taste their first sweet potatoes, learn about the migrations of foods from Europe to America, hear stories about food memories from their teachers and classmates. Feed Your Mind 2016 was a night to remember, and we thank you all for being there with us. We are already excited for next year and we hope with the holiday season in full swing, you will take a little extra time to sit down with your little ones to share some good stories, great food, and help to feed their growing minds.

(Image by Galdones Photography)

They’re creepy and they’re kooky, mysterious and spooky, they’re altogether ooky…they’re called added sugars and they will ruin your life and haunt your dreams!!! Okay, so Halloween is the one day a year when it is perfectly acceptable to gorge yourself with all the sugary sweetness under the sun, and a few tricks and treats here and there never hurt anybody. So if you must, grab a few gummy worms and chew on some chocolate. But just in case you are looking for some healthier alternatives to the traditional Halloween fare, we’ve got some ideas up our costume sleeves.

Honey sticks: Super simple. Super sweet. One tiny plastic tube full of enough goodness to fill your hearts and bellies to the brim. Enjoy the sweetness of sugar without the spike then CRASH in your glycogen levels. Honey can stabilize your energy levels, enhance your immune system, aid in digestion troubles and even give your skin a lovely glow. Pick up some of these little gems at your local farmer’s market to support both the buzZzZzing bees and busy farmers. While you’re there, you might happen upon another healthier alternative to that classic candy bar – maple lollipops. So slurp down the honey sticks and suck on the maple pops knowing that these SWEET treats are free of those yucky ingredients you can’t even pronounce. There will surely be smiles all around…and maybe some sticky fingers.

Clementine Jack-o-lanterns: This two-ingredient tasty treat brings a big burst of juicy flavor in one little sphere. Added bonus – this petite fruit packs a powerful calcium PUNCH and vitamin C boost. Grab some clementines and black markers and go to town. Draw on those festive faces yourself and let little ones choose their favorite as a sweet and healthy Halloween snack. Or for the bigger little ones (the ones old enough to entrust with the high honor of yielding a permanent marker) let them craft their own clementine friends. Just make sure to warn them that they will be eating those friendly faces later…

Make your own…fruit snacks: Say farewell to food coloring and fake flavors. These HOMEMADE fruit snacks will taste even BETTER than the store bought stuff. The truly natural flavor and sweetness comes from honey or maple syrup, combined with fresh or frozen fruit. Use fruit juice as the liquid base, or as this fun recipe suggests, choose your favorite kombucha to kick up the flavor. If you’re clueless when it comes to kombucha, check out my post from a while back on some of my favorite brands and flavors. Once you mix up all your ingredients (by the way, there’s only four!) let your little ones choose their favorite shapes from some miniature molds, and pour away! The hardest part will be waiting for them to cool down and solidify…but it will be worth the wait and certainly worth the extra work to get a truly fruit flavor in every bite.

Make your own…animal crackers: Create your own edible farm animal friends with this healthy yet delicious recipe. This one happens to be vegan AND gluten free, but we suggest swapping in some of the good stuff – grass fed butter – for an even creamier bite. However you make ‘em, these cookies will be a BLAST to make and even more fun to EAT. Little hands are perfect for rolling out the dough and using miniature cookie cutters to shape these treats. Sweetened with applesauce and seasoned with nutmeg, it will be tough to stop yourself after munching on just a few. Luckily this particular recipe yields just shy of 100 cookies, so all the tricker treaters on the block can have a taste.

Make your own…nut butter cups: Okay, we know you love ‘em. We do too. They’re called peanut butter cups and they taste even better this time of year when they come in the pumpkin shaped variety. But have you ever checked out that list of ingredients on the ones you pick up at the store? TOO MANY TO COUNT. But we’ve got a simple, sweet solution – make your own. Invite all your mini monsters into the kitchen to take part. This chocolatey delight is the perfect opportunity to show your kids what is inside the food they eat, literally. Melt your favorite store bought chocolate chips – go for the options with higher cacao percentages for less sugar and more antioxidants – and better yet, opt for fair trade varieties when you can. If you’re feeling EXTRA adventurous, try making your own chocolate by melting some coconut oil and mixing in some raw cacao powder and maple syrup or honey. Have your little ones dollop on the nut or seed butter – peanut, almond, cashew, sunflower…maybe even pumpkin. Finally, for an extra twist, add some fresh berries or jam to make PB&J cups to munch on at any time of day…hey, fruit and nuts, it’s basically a salad, right?

Wishing a happy & healthy Halloween to all, filled with more treats than tricks, and more natural sweetness than phony flavor. Gather all your little goblins and ghouls around the kitchen counter and try out some of these simple & sweet recipes…just make sure you save some for yourself, grown ups get to pig out too.

(Image by flickr member kellie licensed under Creative Commons)

The High Holidays are in full swing and you know what that means…it’s time to CARBO LOAD. Just because the Chicago Marathon is over doesn’t mean you should stop eating all the bread in sight. Not just any ol’ bread. None of that boring brioche or simple sourdough(although we do love sourdough). This time of the year there is only one loaf that we are lovin’ and it goes by one name…CHALLAH. Flour, sugar, salt, water, oil and yeast. Simple yet oh so satisfying. This fluffy favorite has been a staple of Jewish culture for centuries.

Commonly eaten with Shabbat dinners and on Jewish holidays, this special bread brings an extra bit of sweetness to the meal. Simple in form, made with less than ten ingredients, it is still seen as a sacred dish and often blessed before eating. After that…it’s time to eat! Little hands are perfect for ripping into this delicious dough. It’s buttery shine and fluffy texture make it ideal for family dinner nights where all you want to do is roll up your sleeves and dive right in. No utensils necessary. Let your fingers be your forks. Better yet, use the challah itself as your spoon for that matzo ball soup. Don’t feel guilty for eating nearly half the loaf by the time the appetizers arrive. You’ve been doing plenty of heavy lifting at the pumpkin patch and apple orchard. You deserve it. Here are just a few ideas for how to incorporate some heavenly challah into your next meal.

For breakfast: French toast

Woke up craving carbs this morning? We’ve got you covered. This ain’t your mama’s French toast. Or maybe it is…and in that case you’ve got an awesome mom. Turn your fresh, frozen, even super stale loaf of challah bread into a beautiful breakfast or brunch worthy of kings and queens…or at least worthy of a second helping. Your little ones will be dying to join you in the kitchen for this one. They can help with mixing the batter or dunking those fluffy slices right in. Let them watch the bread in the pan and tell you when it is starting to brown & bubble and time to flip. Soon they will graduate up to flipping this French toast all on their own…maybe breakfast in bed for mother’s or father’s day is in the near future…or at least distant future. Sprinkle on the cinnamon, slather on the butter and pass the maple syrupdown this way! Float away on your fluffy French cloud and never come back…until lunchtime…

For lunch: grilled cheese

“More cheese please!” screamed hungry little monsters around the world. By little monsters I mean your little angels of course. But when hunger strikes right around noon, we all know there’s not much worse than a cranky kiddo craving something salty. This challah grilled cheese will answer their requests and put you at ease. Simple yet satisfying, you will want to lick the burnt buttery cheese right off the bottom of the pan. Just make sure you don’t burn your tongue so you can taste the real deal. This sweet sammy will cure any craving. Melty cheese, fluffy challah, caramelized onions and balsamic glaze…pardon my drool. But why stop there? The classic grilled cheese is the perfect foundation to build some deliciousness. That thick challah can hold up to even the heaviest of toppings, from peppers to pickles to potato chips. For the craziest twist yet…turn that lunchtime treat into something sweet with grilled cheese for DESSERT. Chocolate+Cheese=YES PLEASE

For dinner: bread pudding (savory style)

We’ve all heard about the savor-izing trend lately. Eggs in our oatmeal, bacon on our donuts,where does it end!? I have been a bit suspicious of this transition from my sweet to salty (I will ALWAYS opt for chocolate over chips), but this dish made me rethink my initial judgment. Maybe it’s the mushrooms (oddly enough, one of my favorite foods since I was a baby) or maybe it’s the buttery garlicky goodness. Whatever it is in this dish (cough, cough, vermouth) something about savory bread pudding sounds more delicious than suspicious. If mushrooms ain’t your thing, try tossing some other veggies in there. Even better, make them GREEN. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or some simple spinach…let’s face it, just about anything pairs nicely with bread and butter…and cheese…and heavy cream. But hey,WINTER IS COMING, it’s time to build up just a lil’ bit o’ blubber for the cold months ahead.

For dessert: bread pudding (sweet tooth style)

It’s back to basics with this baby. Tried and true, classic bread pudding can be one of the best comfort foods around. It’s certainly not for everyone, but for all you pudding people out there, look no further. This dessert is the perfect excuse to use up that last loaf of challah chillin’ in the freezer. Thaw it out, add a splash of milk and a sprinkle of sugar, and dig in to this wonderful warming dish. If you’re bored of the traditional take, toss in some fresh berries, or at this time of year, frozen berries leftover from those farmer’s market runs. And finally, you really can’t spell dessert without chocolate. Okay…you totally can…but why would you want to? A handful of chocolate chips will take this already sinfully satisfying recipe to the next level. The perfect bite – bread, butter, chocolate, oh my! And it’s not even Christmas cookie season yet…

I hope you’ve enjoyed this journey with one Jewish food as our guide and learned that buttery bread is acceptable at morning, noon, and night. Wherever you come from, whoever you are, the holiday season is right around the corner and I think we can all agree that there’s nothing better than breaking bread with the ones we love.

(Image by flickr member Moe Salama licensed under Creative Commons)

By Brenna O’Dea

If you read the blog a few weeks back then you already know I am not pumpkin’s biggest fan. I am not even pumpkin’s smallest fan. Pumpkin and I have just never quite clicked. We’ve always had our differences…pumpkin spice or classic chai? I choose the latter. At thanksgiving year after year…I head for the pie table, fork in hand and ready to feast, sorry pumpkin buddy, it’ll be apple for me this year. Even the apple orchard appeals to me MUCH more than the pumpkin patch. Although I do love a good hay ride.

This fall season however, I have decided to change my ways. Not entirely. Just the other day I turned down a coupon for a free pumpkin spice latte (or PSL as the kids are saying), and I don’t think I’ll be carving up any Jack o’ lanterns this year on account of I am NOT interested in my hands & house smelling like squash until Christmas. But I have decided to turn over a new crispy crunchy freshly fallen leaf and open my mind & mouth to the power of pumpkin. It is a miracle. After months and months of agonizing research (okay, just a few hours browsing the web) I have discovered a few fantastic recipes that make pumpkin palatable, and almost…dare I say…delicious.

Pancakes: We’ll begin with breakfast. Pancakes to be more specific. Now who doesn’t LOVE pancakes? I don’t know anyone who would turn down a good pancake breakfast, and if you do…I would seriously reconsider that relationship. You don’t need that kind of negativity in your life. For this pancake party, pumpkin is on the menu. Don’t run for the hills just yet. Drizzled with some GOOD maple syrup and whipped coconut cream, these babies will have your babies jumping out of bed with their jammies still on. They might even offer to set to table just to catch an extra whiff of that sweet cinnamon smell.

Cookies: If you give a mouse a cookie…he probably won’t expect it to be a pumpkin cookie. And neither would I. I would not be pleasantly surprised. At first I would probably be disgusted, horrified, nauseated. But WAIT…are those chocolate chips? I guess I’ll have a bite or two. I bet you will want to bite right into these too after you stir those dark chocolate chips into that burnt orange batter. A few dashes of cinnamon & nutmeg, and some allspice to pull it altogether. If these cookies don’t scream fall, well that’s okay, cookies can’t talk. But if this one could, it would say “welcome to sweater weather.”

Cake: Layers of love sandwiched together with some divine cream cheese frosting…I mean come on, sugar AND cheese…as the Barefoot Contessa herself would say, “how bad can THAT be?” Not bad at all, even though pumpkin is the primary ingredient. Combined with some soothing spices like ginger and clove, smothered in ooey gooey goodness, pumpkin shines bright in every bite. If sinking into a sugar coma on a cool fall evening is not your thing (maybe you’re THAT person who hands out raisins on Halloween) don’t fret, we’ve got an amazing alternative that is free of gluten and dairy (and JOY). Just kidding. I myself would opt for the raisins over the classic candy bar – they are nature’s candy, after all. I’m also a huge fan of the sans gluten & dairy options out there today as my tummy ties itself in knots at even the thought of a brownie sundae. Whichever team you play for, with wheat or without, this layer cake will push your pumpkin limits to the edge in the BEST way possible.

Butter: First of all, I would like to formally acknowledge that in NO way do I believe that butter needs ANY additions at all to make it fabulous. All by itself, butter is the ultimate condiment, topping, side dish…main course…however you take it, it’ll probably be delicious. Pumpkin butter however, resides in a galaxy all its own. You’ve probably heard about and maybe even tasted apple butter, and if you are among the lucky ones then you’ve gotten your greasy fingertips on some honey butter. Pumpkin butter comes around less often. The best of both worlds, sweet n’ savory, the maple syrup and lemon juice compliment the pumpkin perfectly in this spreadable squash creation.

Soup: Butternut squash soup is SO last year. Pumpkin porridge is where it’s at. Smooth and slightly sweet, a bowl or two…or three of this seasonal soup will warm your hands & heart. Puree it with your choice of heavy cream for those freeeeezing winter nights when you need a bit more meat on your bones, or coconut milk for a lighter, fresher fall afternoon snack. Simple soups just like this one are great opportunities to play around in the kitchen and experiment with fun flavors. Even better, it is a great time to invite the little ones along for the ride. Let them sprinkle the spices into the pot – just make sure they don’t dive in…it will smell SO good they just might want to. For the kids who are finally as tall as the kitchen counter, put them on stirring duty – easy enough for your small sous chefs who can’t quite yield a knife yet, but still a great lesson in patience and concentration for those feisty foodies.

Pasta: Okay, so fettuccine Alfredo is already crazy creamy dreamy delicious. But why stop there?? Add some pumpkin puree and rosemary sprigs for an even better bowl. This warming dish will pair perfectly with some hot apple cider on a chilly fall evening. The sweetness from the cider will balance the saltiness from that GOAT CHEESE and the kick of the red pepper flakes. If you prefer a more mild mouthful or maybe you need a modification for the little ones, try this version using only FIVE ingredients. Staying in this Friday night? Whip up a batch for one and settle in with some noodles n’ Netflix. Throwing a dinner party? This dish is perfect to pass around the table and share with the people you love. Because what says I LOVE you better than a big bowl of buttery, cheesy pasta? And if some pumpkin in the sauce isn’t enough for you, go big or go home with this pumpkin ravioli. Little hands are perfect for pinching the edges of these HEAVENLY pumpkin-filled pockets.

Pie: Well we have finally made it. The end is near and this pumpkin pilgrimage is coming to a close. I figured there was no better way to say so long to this squash than with a tribute to a classic: pumpkin pie. Personally, I don’t love the stuff, but I know plenty of people who cannot WAIT for Thanksgiving to roll around for no other reason than that big slice of goopy brown-orange slop. I must admit, this pie usually smells pretty great, Some of my favorite sweet n’ savory spices give this pie its signature scent – cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger & cloves – these babies are four peas in a pod, and they pair perfectly with the pumpkin puree. The key to the perfect pie-filled bite however, comes from that classic crust. Fluffy n’ buttery, if you get it right, there’s nothin’ quite like it. And make sure to call all your pint-sized cooks into the kitchen to help roll out that dough. Little hands will do just the trick.

So are you ready to join the pumpkin party? I’m sure one of these recipes is bound to make your mouth water and spark curiosity in the kids. Why are these yummy cookies orange, mom? What is that sweet flavor in my tasty pasta, dad? Well buddy, believe it or not, it’s a VEGETABLE, and damn right, it’s DELICIOUS.